While manager Hughes claimed he was not in need of the reality check, its delivery may force some of City's more optimistic followers to revise their own expectations.

British record signing Robinho marked his debut with a free-kick strike, but goals from Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka eased Chelsea to a deserved win which emphasised the gulf in class between the wealthy clubs.

"It wasn't a reality check from our point of view," said Hughes.

"We are still very early in our development as a squad and a team.

"We realise we are still young in time terms.

"But some people have got a little bit ahead of themselves and a little bit hysterical. We know the level we are at.

"Chelsea were excellent in the second half. They set traps for you.

"In the end, it was a fair result, we have no qualms about that."

Hughes' frank assessment was a pretty accurate reflection of the occasion.

The City boss felt that if his side had been able to keep their lead for any length of time, they could have caused Chelsea a major headache.

Unfortunately for the hosts, their advantage lasted just three minutes before Carvalho struck and there was no way back once Lampard finished in clinical fashion just after the re-start.

"As soon as you go behind against Chelsea, it is very difficult," Hughes said.

At least Hughes got the response he wanted from Robinho.

Although it must have been tempting to leave his £32.5million signing on the bench, given he did not even arrive in the north-west until Friday, Hughes decided to plunge Robinho straight into the heat of battle.

"Robinho was excellent," he said. "I was pleased with his overall performance.

"He showed in glimpses what he can produce and he also has an excellent work ethic, which a lot of people don't realise.

"It was difficult because he has just come off a flight from Brazil and he has played a lot of football.

"But I felt it was important he was exposed to what the Premier League is about. He will be better for it."